The Philadelphia Phillies finally received some encouraging news regarding a possible reunion with Kyle Schwarber.
Schwarber is among the top free agents on the market, and many Phillies fans have been eager for the club to bring him back. Although numerous teams have shown interest, updates about his situation had been limited.
However, on Sunday, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan shared a positive development on Threads, saying the Phillies are currently viewed as the frontrunners to re-sign the slugger.
“Kyle Schwarber: the tone-setter of this free-agent class. His market is strong,” Passan wrote. “He’s going to get multiple years and a high annual salary, and right now he might be the most likely major free agent to sign first. It’s unclear whether it gets done before the Winter Meetings, but I’d be surprised if he leaves them without a team. The Phillies are still the favorites, with Boston, Cincinnati, the Mets, and others involved.”
Schwarber has been one of Philadelphia’s most productive hitters throughout his four-year stint with the club, and the Phillies hope to extend that relationship as they aim to remain in championship contention.
Last season, Schwarber batted .240 with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs for Philadelphia.
Phillies Reportedly Still Far Apart on a Contract
Despite Passan’s optimism, a new deal does not appear close. MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki reported that the Phillies and Schwarber remain “not close” in negotiations.
“The Phillies have made re-signing Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto a priority,” Zolecki wrote. “But according to sources, the team and Schwarber are not close to an agreement. That isn’t surprising at this stage of the offseason.
“Schwarber’s representatives want to maximize the value of his huge 2025 season, when he finished second in NL MVP voting behind Shohei Ohtani. There’s no need to rush, though the lack of movement can be frustrating as others wonder how long the Phillies can wait.”
Schwarber has also been tied to his hometown Cincinnati Reds, and he has hinted at that possibility. Still, Philadelphia currently appears to be his most likely landing spot.
Philadelphia’s Desire to Keep Schwarber
Schwarber has been an important part of the Phillies’ lineup for four seasons, and the organization wants to continue that relationship.
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski reiterated that re-signing Schwarber is at the top of their offseason priorities.
“We’d love to keep him here long-term, no question,” Dombrowski said. “We’ll see where things go. He’s putting up massive numbers, and I’m sure many teams will pursue him. But we’d absolutely like to keep him and hope it works out.”
Schwarber is a three-time All-Star, a two-time NL home run champion, and a former Silver Slugger recipient. He is expected to land a substantial multi-year deal in free agency.